March 25, 2014
Benjamin Black Goldsmiths Release BRANCHES Jewellery Range
Benjamin Black Goldsmiths is celebrating the release of a new range of contemporary dress jewellery, BRANCHES, designed
by 22-year old award-winning jeweller, Joel Whitwell.
Mr Whitwell, a Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) graduate, has been working on the BRANCHES range since
January 2014, when he was employed by the Nelson-based jewellery and watchmaking studio as an Artist in Residence.
Continuing on from Whitwell’s previous exhibition, Infra-thin, which took place in Auckland last year, BRANCHES is
inspired by the investigation of the integrity of mass produced jewellery objects.
Whitwell says every piece is hand crafted to convey a whimsical uniqueness, so no two are ever the same, however the
wood grain pattern is a constant commonality featured throughout.
“My inspiration for the range is based on creating a unique line which cannot be exactly replicated,” says Whitwell.
“The wood grain pattern is like a fingerprint, giving every ring, pendant, tie-pin or cuff-link an individual
personality.”
Whitwell says Benjamin Clark, owner and master jeweller at Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, has encouraged the unfolding of
his creative process.
"Benjamin has guided me throughout creating the range, pushing me to extend my skills in both design and technique and
giving me the freedom to test my ideas. I have learned a lot - it has been a hugely fulfilling journey.”
BRANCHES by Joel Whitwell is available now at Benjamin Black Goldsmiths - 176 Bridge Street, Nelson, or online at www.benjaminblack.co.nz
ENDS